The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) joined the launch of the Tanaw-Laya 2nd Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Art Exhibition held on 16 April 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. The event gathered distinguished members of the judiciary, key officials, and partner stakeholders in support of the creative development and rehabilitation of PDL.
The organizers of this art competition and exhibition comprise the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) Quezon City Justice Zone and the Bagong Buhay Group of Artists, a community of former PDL and individuals from marginalized sections of society. Likewise, the competition and exhibit are closely coordinated with jail and correctional institutions, including BuCor and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Supreme Court Associate Justice JOSE MIDAS P MARQUEZ and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice KARL B MIRANDA. They were joined by BuCor Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH; ASEC AL I. PERRERAS, Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA); C/SSUPT DAISY SEVILLA-CASTILLOTE, Superintendent of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW); and C/CINSP EUSEBIO B DEL ROSARIO JR., Acting Director of the Directorate for External Relations and Reintegration Services (DERRS). Also present were representatives from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), personnel from the Work and Livelihood Division (WLD), and staff of CIW.
The program opened with welcome remarks delivered by MR. JORELL LEGASPI, followed by an introduction to the art exhibition presented by Associate Justice MIRANDA. In his message, Justice MIRANDA expressed his appreciation to the BuCor for its continued commitment to initiatives that nurture the artistic talents of PDL and support their personal development.
The highlight of the event was the awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding artworks submitted by PDL from various Operating Prisons and Penal Farms (OPPFs). In the Sculpture category, the entry “Luksong Baka” from Leyte Regional Prison (LRP) was awarded first place, receiving a cash prize of Php 50,000.00. In the Pyrography Category, the work “Journey of Light” from San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) secured first place with a prize of Php 50,000.00, while “Usad Pagong na Paglilitis, Hindi Patas na Pagdinig” from LRP earned second place with a prize of Php 30,000.00.
In the Acrylic on Canvas Category, “Hapunan ng mga Buwaya” from SPPF received a prize of Php 30,000.00, while “May Puso Din” from the New Bilibid Prison-Maximum Security Camp (NBP-MaxSeCamp) was awarded Php 20,000.00.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was subsequently held to formally open the exhibition, led by the distinguished guests. The exhibit featured a diverse collection of artworks created by PDL from various OPPFs, contributions from the BJMP, and selected works created by former PDL, all showcased at the venue.
The successful conduct of the event underscores the BuCor’s commitment in promoting rehabilitation through creative expression. It highlights the role of the arts in building self-confidence, fostering personal growth, and demonstrating that incarceration is not a barrier to talent, purpose, and meaningful contribution to society.
CO1 Angela B Tabora
Contributor
